On October 15-16, 2025, the American Alliance of Museums is hosting The Museum Summit. Building on our popular Future of Museums Summit from recent years, the virtual event reaches museum professionals across the field and around the globe. This year’s Summit will focus on two themes: Mission, Values, and the Politics of Pressure and The Next Era of Volunteerism. More information on the Summit, including how to register, is coming soon.
2025 Call for Case Study Proposals
AAM is inviting proposals for case studies related to our two Summit topics. Successful submitters will be invited to present their 20-minute case study at AAM’s virtual Museum Summit, and/or develop their pitches into other content for digital publication. Please note that case study presentations at the Summit will be a maximum of 20 minutes with no more than two presenters.
How to Submit
Download and complete the Case Study Call for Proposals Form for your case study’s topic using the buttons below and email it to futureofmuseums[at] aam-us.org no later than 5 pm ET on Friday, June 27. Submitters will be informed of the selection committee’s decision by Thursday, July 10.
Mission, Values, and the Politics of Pressure
Museums increasingly face pressure to dilute their values or alter their programming—whether in response to Executive Orders, political influence, or funding constraints. These challenges are rarely one-sided, with expectations emerging from across the political spectrum. How can museums stay rooted in their mission while building resilient financial models and making principled decisions in the face of competing expectations?
Day 1 of The Museum Summit explores strategies for navigating external pressures with integrity, transparency, and long-term sustainability.
Case studies might address, for example:
- Staying true to mission and values in the face of pressure from government, politicians, funders, or members of the public
- Communicating mission and values to different audiences on different political or ideological spectrums
- Managing conflicts between values held by individual staff or board members and the museum’s organizational values
The Call for Proposals form, below, includes a longer list of challenges case studies might address.
The Next Era of Volunteerism
As cultural and economic landscapes shift, traditional models of volunteerism are under strain. Fewer people may have the time or flexibility to serve, and the benefits of volunteering—social connections, personal fulfillment, professional skills—often remain out of reach for those without financial security. How can museums envision a more inclusive future for volunteerism—one that values all forms of contribution, addresses systemic inequities, and strengthens community ties?
Day 2 of The Museum Summit explores models for engaging volunteers in ways that are equitable, sustainable, and mission-aligned.
Case studies might address, for example:
- Fostering a diverse volunteer cadre
- Making significant changes to volunteer programs while minimizing disruptions
- The use of technology to support remote or hybrid volunteerism.
The Call for Proposals form, below, includes a longer list of challenges case studies might address.
